A Magnificent Hawaiian Bowl (umeke la'au pakaka) Hawaiian Islands, c. 19th century or earlier This kuo wood calabash-shaped bowl is relatively massive for its type at 16 1/2 inches diameter. The wood has a variegated caramel brown color and a satiny finish and patina of use appealing to the touch. It has numerous cracks artistically repaired in the native fashion with wood butterfly and rectangular patches, round and staple-like plugs worked into the cracks and sealed with a hardened paste made from breadfruit gum and clay. All three types of native Hawaiian repairs can be seen on this extraordinary bowl. It is in very good condition, with some newer unrepaired cracks and scratches. Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1990 Helene and Philippe Leloup, Paris Bonhams London, July 3, 1990, lot 152 Irving Jenkins, Honolulu, HI, author of The Hawaiian Calabash, University of Hawaii Press, 1989 Diameter: 16 ½ inches HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,001 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,001 per lot.